Overview
ARP introduced the Omni in 1975 as the company's first polyphonic synthesizer and the first American-produced polyphonic instrument. This string synthesizer combined divide-down polyphony with a monophonic synthesizer section, offering orchestral textures alongside conventional synthesizer sounds. The Omni addressed the market for ensemble sounds that ARP's monophonic instruments could not provide.
The instrument featured three distinct sections: polyphonic strings with ensemble chorus effect, a monophonic synthesizer with full ADSR envelope, and a bass section. This architecture allowed creating complete arrangements from a single keyboard. The 49-key velocity-sensitive keyboard supported expressive performance.
ARP manufactured the Omni through 1979, introducing the Omni-2 with enhanced features. The instrument competed against string synthesizers from Logan, Freeman, and Roland. While ARP's later polyphonic instruments achieved greater sophistication, the Omni established the company's presence in the polyphonic market and influenced subsequent designs including the Quadra.